Firearms safety expert Ronald Scott said most ranges have an age limit and strict safety rules when teaching children how to shoot.

Instructors usually have their hands on guns when children are firing high-powered weapons, he said.

“You can’t give a nine-year-old an Uzi and expect her to control it,” Mr Scott added.

Ms Sotloff, who lives in the Miami area, added: “Since Stephen’s capture, I’ve learned a lot about Islam. I’ve learned that Islam teaches that no individual should be held responsible for the sins of others.

“Stephen has no control over the actions of the US government. He’s an innocent journalist.”

Italian Fighter Jets Collide On Training Mission

Witnesses report seeing a huge fireball moments before the planes crashed, as rescuers search for four pilots who ejected.